Seventh Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable J. Steven Patrick
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Seventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge J. Steven Patrick BE RETAINED.
Judge Patrick is a graduate of Simpson College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his law degree from Yale University. Judge Patrick was admitted to the practice of law in Colorado in 1977. He spent two years as a Deputy District Attorney and then 12 years in private practice, where he specialized in civil litigation and real estate law. He was a Gunnison County Court Judge and a Municipal Judge in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte between 1991 and 1993, before being appointed District Court Judge in July of 1993.
Judge Patrick is the Chief Judge for the Seventh Judicial District. His caseload consists of 40% civil, 10% domestic relations, 40% criminal and 10% juvenile cases that are conducted in all district courts within the district. In addition, he is the Water Judge for the Seventh Judicial District and, as Chief Judge, is responsible for administration of all courts in the district.
Attorneys, non-attorneys and this Commission find Judge Patrick to be courteous, impartial, diligent, professional and patient. Judge Patrick has good research skills and is proficient at computerized legal research. He considers himself a hard worker who treats everyone fairly. Judge Patrick’s goals for the next year are to write and communicate more clearly and to continue working on docket management.
Judge Patrick participates in Adult Probation Service, the Court Improvement Committee and is active in the local Boy Scout Troop. He has been active in developing the local drug court, case management pilot project, informal conferences in divorce, simplified divorce
pilot project and in developing a restorative justice program in the judicial district. He has volunteered to be a judge mentor.
The Commission conducted public hearings, interviews with attorneys and non-attorneys, a personal interview and reviewed Judge Patrick’s self-evaluation. Ninety-one percent of attorneys responding to the survey recommended that Judge Patrick be retained. Of the non-attorneys, 84% recommended retention. The Commission has the highest regard for Judge Patrick’s commitment and performance. The Commission recommends that District Court Judge Patrick be retained.